86Box vs RetroArch
Side-by-side comparison for macOS
86Box
8.0Emulator of x86-based machines based on PCem
RetroArch
7.0Frontend for emulators, game engines and media players (Metal graphics API)
| Metric | 86Box | RetroArch |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Utilities | Games |
| AI Score | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| 30-day Installs | 48 | 97 |
| 90-day Installs | 151 | 275 |
| 365-day Installs | 706 | 1.1K |
| Version | 5.3,8200 | 1.22.2 |
| Auto-updates | No | No |
| Deprecated | No | No |
| GitHub Stars | 4.1K | 12.8K |
| GitHub Forks | 484 | 2.1K |
| Open Issues | 22 | 3.0K |
| License | GPL-2.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Language | C | C |
| Last GitHub Commit | 1mo ago | 1mo ago |
| First Seen | Oct 26, 2022 | Aug 9, 2023 |
Reviews
86Box
86Box is an x86 emulator that allows users to run older operating systems and software. It supports various hardware configurations and is ideal for retrocomputing enthusiasts and developers needing legacy system testing.
Emulates x86-based machines to run older operating systems and software.
Pros
- + Open-source and free under GPL-2.0
- + Supports a wide range of hardware configurations
- + Active development with frequent updates
- + Niche appeal for retrocomputing
- + Free to use
Cons
- - No auto-update feature
- - Some bugs, particularly with OpenGL rendering and Voodoo
RetroArch
RetroArch is a versatile frontend for emulators, game engines, and media players, leveraging the Metal graphics API for enhanced performance. It offers a wide range of features, including compatibility with various platforms and active development, making it a valuable tool for gamers and retro gaming enthusiasts.
Serves as a frontend for emulators, game engines, and media players.
Pros
- + Open-source and community-driven.
- + Supports multiple platforms and emulators.
- + Active development with frequent updates.
Cons
- - Lacks auto-update functionality.
- - High number of open issues may affect stability.